If you’re planning to start a business in Dubai mainland, selecting the right business activity is crucial. This choice determines your license type, operational scope, required approvals, and compliance obligations.
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) – formerly known as the Department of Economic Development (DED) – is the primary authority issuing business licenses for mainland operations in Dubai. The DET maintains an official list of over 3,000 approved business activities, each with a unique code, to ensure businesses operate legally and contribute to economic growth.
Choosing the correct activity from the DET list prevents future issues, such as fines, delays in approvals, or license amendments.
What is a DET License in Dubai?
A DET license (commonly still referred to as a DED license) is the official permit required to legally operate a business in Dubai mainland. It covers trading, services, manufacturing, or tourism activities.
The DET regulates mainland businesses, ensuring adherence to UAE laws while supporting entrepreneurship and investment.
Key jurisdictions in the UAE:
- Mainland (DET-licensed) — Allows unrestricted operations anywhere in the UAE, including direct access to local markets and government contracts. Most activities now permit 100% foreign ownership.
- Free Zones — Offer benefits like tax exemptions and 100% foreign ownership but generally restrict direct trading in the mainland (requires distributors, branches, or permits).
For businesses targeting the local UAE market, a mainland DET license is often the best option.
What is the DET Trader (e-Trader) License?
The DET Trader License (also called e-Trader or DED Trader) is a specialized, low-cost license for individuals running home-based or online businesses, especially via social media, websites, or e-commerce platforms.
Key features and restrictions:
- Eligibility → Primarily for UAE/GCC nationals residing in Dubai. Expats (over 21 with valid Dubai residency) can apply but are typically limited to professional/service-based activities (not goods trading).
- Ownership → Individual only (no companies or partnerships).
- Limitations → No physical shop, no employees/visas, no large-scale storage or import/export.
- Permitted activities → From an approved list, e.g., online services (consultancy, design) or limited goods sales (mainly for nationals).
- Application → Fully online via dedtrader.ae; quick issuance.
This is separate from standard mainland licenses.
Main Types of DET Mainland Business Licenses
Dubai mainland licenses fall into four primary categories (tourism is often integrated or requires additional approvals):
- Commercial License — For trading goods/services (buying, selling, import/export, retail, e-commerce).
- Professional License — For skill-based services (consultancy, freelancing, IT, design).
- Industrial License — For manufacturing/processing products (requires facilities and extra approvals).
- Tourism License — For travel, hospitality, and tourism-related operations (coordinated with DTCM).
Common DET Business Activities by License Type
Here are popular examples (not exhaustive; over 3,000 activities exist):
1. Commercial License (Most popular for trading)
- General Trading
- E-commerce Trading
- Electronics & Mobile Phones Trading
- Fashion & Apparel Trading
- Gold & Jewellery Trading
- Foodstuff Trading
- Building Materials Trading
- Furniture Trading
- Cosmetics & Perfume Trading
- Auto Spare Parts Trading
- Supermarket/Grocery Retail
2. Professional License (Ideal for services)
- IT & Software Consultancy
- Management & Marketing Consultancy
- Engineering & Architectural Services
- Accounting & Auditing
- Legal Consultancy
- Graphic & Web Design
- Interior Design
- Education & Training Services
- Event Management
- Recruitment & HR Services
- Cybersecurity & Data Analysis
3. Industrial License
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing
- Textile & Apparel Production
- Plastic & Packaging Manufacturing
- Metal Fabrication
- Furniture Manufacturing
- Cosmetics Production
- Building Materials Manufacturing
4. Tourism License
- Travel Agency (Inbound/Outbound)
- Tour Operator Services
- Hotel & Resort Management
- Desert Safari & Adventure Tours
- Event & Conference Organizing
- Limousine & Transport Services
For the full list, search on the official Invest in Dubai portal (app.invest.dubai.ae/search-business-activities) or consult experts.
Read Also: Trade License in Dubai: A Complete Guide
How to Search the DET Business Activities List
Finding the right business activity from the official DET list is straightforward and can be done online without visiting any office. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) provides free, public tools to search over 3,000 approved activities.
Primary Method: Use the Official Invest in Dubai Portal (Recommended for Everyone)
This is the most user-friendly and up-to-date platform—no login required.
- Visit the official search tool: https://app.invest.dubai.ae/search-business-activities
- Enter keywords in the search bar (e.g., “e-commerce”, “consultancy”, “restaurant”, “manufacturing”, or “tour operator”).
- You can also filter by sector (e.g., Commercial, Professional, Industrial) or browse categories.
- Results will display matching activities with key details:
- Activity Code (unique identifier, e.g., 6202010 for Software Design)
- English and Arabic Name/Description
- License Type (Commercial, Professional, etc.)
- Activity Group and other metadata
Tip: Use specific keywords for better results. If planning expansion, look for broader activities that cover multiple related operations.
Alternative Method: Dubai Pulse Open Data Portal (For Advanced Users or Bulk Download)
For downloadable datasets or deeper analysis:
- Go to Dubai Pulse and search for “DED License Activities” or “Business Activities”.
- Download the full CSV file (updated regularly) containing all activity codes, names, and categories.
Other Options:
- If you have a DET account (for existing businesses), log into the DET eServices portal and use the “Enquiries” > “Search Business Activities” section.
- For nationwide insights (including other emirates), check the National Economic Register on u.ae.
Pro Tip: Always cross-verify on the official Invest in Dubai portal, as it reflects the latest 2026 regulations. Searching early helps identify required extra approvals (e.g., from KHDA for education or Dubai Municipality for food-related activities).
Alternatively, for personalized guidance—especially if your business idea is complex or involves multiple activities—consult experienced business setup professionals like Shuraa. We can quickly shortlist the best-matching codes, check compatibility with your plans, and ensure compliance from day one.
How to Choose the Right DET Business Activity
Choosing the correct business activity from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list (over 3,000 options) is one of the most critical steps in setting up a mainland company in Dubai. It defines your legal operational scope, determines the license type (Commercial, Professional, Industrial, or Tourism), influences fees, visa quotas, office requirements, and any additional approvals needed. A mismatch can lead to delays, fines, license amendments (with extra costs), or even operational restrictions.
Here are practical steps and tips to make the right choice:
1. Clearly Define Your Core Business
Start by outlining exactly what products or services your company will offer—focus on primary revenue-generating operations. Be specific (e.g., “online retail of fashion apparel” rather than just “trading”). This helps narrow down matching activities.
2. Search the Official DET List
Use the free online tool at https://app.invest.dubai.ae/search-business-activities. Enter keywords (e.g., “e-commerce”, “consultancy”, “manufacturing”) and review results for:
- Activity code and full description
- License category
- Any notes on restrictions or approvals
Tip: Select an activity whose description closely aligns with your operations—avoid vague or overly broad ones if they don’t genuinely fit.
3. Plan for Future Expansion
If you anticipate growth, choose a slightly broader activity (or add multiple related ones upfront) that covers potential new services/products. You can include several activities on one license if they belong to the same category/group (e.g., multiple trading items under Commercial). Unrelated activities may require a separate license or amendment later.
4. Check for Additional Approvals and Requirements
Many activities need extra nods from authorities:
- Food/health-related → Dubai Municipality or Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Education/training → Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
- Tourism → Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
- Legal/medical → Relevant federal ministries
Some also impact office needs (e.g., industrial requires warehouse space) or ownership rules.
5 Avoid Common Mistakes
- Picking an activity that doesn’t match your actual operations (leads to compliance issues/fines).
- Overlooking external approvals (causes delays in license issuance).
- Choosing too narrowly without considering growth (forces costly amendments).
- Assuming all activities allow 100% foreign ownership (most do in 2026, but verify restricted ones).
Pro Tip: If your business idea is complex or involves multiple elements, don’t guess—consult experienced business setup experts early. At Shuraa, we review your plans, shortlist optimal activities/codes, handle approval checks, and ensure your license supports long-term success without rework.
Making the right choice here saves time, money, and headaches down the line. Get it right from the start!
What is a DET Activity Code?
A DET Activity Code (commonly still referred to as a DED Activity Code) is a unique numerical identifier assigned by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai to each approved business activity. These codes standardize and categorize over 3,000 permitted economic activities, ensuring businesses operate within clearly defined legal boundaries.
The code serves as the foundation of your trade license, linking your company to specific permitted operations.
Key Purposes of the Activity Code:
- Defines Your Business Scope: It precisely outlines what your company is legally allowed to do. Operating outside this scope can result in fines, license suspension, or legal issues.
- Determines License Type: The code classifies your activity under one of the main categories—Commercial (trading), Professional (services), Industrial (manufacturing), or Tourism—influencing fees, ownership rules, and requirements.
- Ensures Regulatory Compliance: It triggers specific approvals (e.g., from Dubai Municipality for food-related activities, KHDA for education, or DTCM for tourism).
- Facilitates Licensing and Amendments: During application or when adding/removing activities, the code is referenced for processing.
- Aligns with International Standards: Many codes map to the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC Rev. 4), helping with statistical reporting, tax compliance, and cross-border operations.
Format and Examples: Activity codes are typically 7-8 digits long (e.g., 6202010 for Software Design & Development or 4773621 for specialized trading activities). Each includes:
- English and Arabic descriptions.
- Associated activity group.
- License type.
For instance:
- 7410201 – Interior Design Consultancy (Professional License)
- 5210011 – Retail Sale of Fashion & Apparel (Commercial License)
- 1079111 – Bakery Products Manufacturing (Industrial License)
You can search for exact codes and descriptions using the official Invest in Dubai portal (app.invest.dubai.ae/search-business-activities) by entering keywords.
Selecting the right activity code upfront is critical—mismatches can delay approvals or require costly amendments later. We recommend consulting experts to match your business idea perfectly with the DET list.
How to Obtain a DET Mainland License
- Select activity and license type.
- Choose legal structure (e.g., LLC, sole establishment).
- Reserve trade name.
- Secure office space (Ejari tenancy registration).
- Submit documents and obtain approvals.
- Pay fees and receive license.
Costs vary (starting ~AED 15,000–50,000+ depending on activity, structure, and office).
How Shuraa Helps with Selecting the Right DET Activity
Selecting the proper activity from the DET list isn’t just a formality—it’s the cornerstone of your business’s success in the UAE. The right choice ensures full legal compliance, secures the correct license type, aligns with your operational scope, and prevents costly setbacks like fines, delays, or mandatory amendments later. For optimal results, seek professional guidance when making this critical decision.
At Shuraa Business Setup, we specialize in guiding entrepreneurs through every step of UAE company formation. With over 25 years of experience and more than 100,000 successful setups, our team of experts is here to help you select the best DET activity for your business. Here’s how we assist:
- Personalized Consultation: We analyze your business idea, core offerings, and future plans to recommend the most suitable activity (or multiple related activities) from the official DET list of over 3,000 options.
- License Type Determination: Ensure you get the right category—Commercial, Professional, Industrial, or Tourism—while maximizing benefits like 100% foreign ownership where applicable.
- Compliance Check: Identify any required extra approvals (e.g., from Dubai Municipality, KHDA, or DTCM) and handle them seamlessly.
- End-to-End Support: From trade name reservation and document preparation to office setup, visa processing, bank account opening, and full licensing—our dedicated PRO team manages all government interactions.
- Cost-Effective Packages: Tailored solutions starting from competitive rates, including mainland setups with investor visas and free consultations.
Let Shuraa explore the DET activity list with you and set up your business smoothly in Dubai mainland. Contact us today for expert advice and a hassle-free launch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask when setting up a business in Dubai mainland:
1. What are some popular DET business activities in the UAE?
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) offers a wide range of activities across sectors. Popular ones include general trading, e-commerce, IT services and software development, marketing and advertising, real estate broking, management consultancy, logistics and freight forwarding, event management, interior design, and tourism-related services.
2. Can I have multiple activities under one DET license?
Yes, you can add multiple related activities to a single license if they fall under the same category (e.g., several trading activities under a commercial license). Unrelated activities may require a license amendment.
3. What is the DET license cost in Dubai?
Costs vary widely depending on the activity, company structure, office size, number of visas, and additional approvals. Packages typically start from around AED 15,000–50,000+, excluding office rent or other extras. Contact experts for a personalized quote.
4. Can I change my DET business activity after getting the license?
Yes, you can apply for an amendment through the DET portal, subject to approval and fees.
5. How do I add activities to my DET license?
Submit an amendment request via the DET, pay the required fees, and obtain any necessary additional approvals.
6. Are there any restricted DET business activities?
Yes, certain activities (e.g., medical services, legal consultancy, banking, or education) require extra approvals from relevant federal or local authorities.
7. How can I find the right activity for my business?
Use the official “Search Business Activities” tool on invest.dubai.ae, or consult business setup professionals for tailored recommendations.
Disclaimer: The Information is for general guidance and based on 2026 regulations, which may change. Always verify with official DET sources or professionals for the latest details.
